Texas E-Bike Laws: Your Guide to Staying Compliant on the Trails

Texas E-Bike Laws: Your Guide to Staying Compliant on the Trails

At Power ON Electric Bikes, we believe that finding the perfect ride shouldn’t be overwhelming. However, as Ebikes grow in popularity across the Lone Star State, it’s important to understand the "rules of the road."

Texas law (specifically Texas Transportation Code § 551.001) treats electric bikes much like traditional bicycles, but there are a few specific requirements you need to know before you head out from our Cypress shop.

The Three Classes of E-Bikes

Texas officially recognizes the three-class system. This helps determine where you can ride and who can operate the bike.

Class 1: Pedal-Assist Only

  • How it works: The motor only kicks in when you are pedaling. These bikes do not have a throttle.

  • Top Speed: The motor stops assisting once you hit 20 mph.

  • Where to ride: Generally allowed anywhere traditional bikes are permitted, including most multi-use paths and bike lanes.*

Class 2: Throttle-Assisted

  • How it works: These bikes have a throttle (like a moped) that can propel the bike without you needing to pedal. These bikes also have motor assistance when you pedal as well.

  • Top Speed: The motor stops assisting at 20 mph.

  • Where to ride: Similar to Class 1, these are widely accepted on most streets and bike paths.*

Class 3: High-Speed Pedal-Assist

  • How it works: These are pedal-assist only (no throttle, or throttle assists up to 20 MPH) but are designed for commuters who need more speed.

  • Top Speed: The motor stops assisting at 28 mph.

  • Equipment: Texas law requires Class 3 bikes to be equipped with a speedometer.

Age Requirements & Safety Regulations

Texas is relatively flexible compared to other states, but Class 3 bikes come with a few extra strings attached.

  • Age Limits: There is no state-level minimum age for Class 1 or Class 2 bikes. However, you must be at least 15 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike in the State of Texas.

  • Helmet Laws: While Texas does not have a statewide helmet law for adults, anyone under the age of 18 is legally required to wear a helmet when riding a Class 3 e-bike.

    • Expert Guide Tip: Regardless of the law, we strongly recommend helmets for all riders—e-bikes move faster than traditional bikes, and safety is always the priority.

    • In Houston, children under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Adults can be held criminally responsible for allowing a child under the age of 14 to ride a bike without a helmet. 

  • Where You Can't Ride: While e-bikes are allowed on most roads and bike paths, they are generally prohibited on sidewalks in many Texas municipalities, and some state park non-motorized trails may have specific restrictions.*

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

We want our community to ride with confidence. For the fine print, check out these official resources:

Still have questions? 

The "legal" side of e-bikes can get confusing, but the ride doesn't have to be. Stop by Power ON Electric Bikes in Cypress, and we’ll help you find a bike that fits both your lifestyle and the local regulations.

A Few More Notes

1. Lights (Nighttime Equipment)

  • The Law: Texas Transportation Code § 551.104(b)

  • The Specifics: If you ride at night, you must have:

    • A front lamp emitting white light visible from at least 500 feet. (generally 50-100 lumens) 

    • On the rear, either a red reflector visible from 300 feet OR a red lamp visible from 500 feet.

  • The Source: TX Transportation Code § 551.104

2. Brakes (The "Skid" Test)

  • The Law: Texas Transportation Code § 551.104(a)

  • The Specifics: Every bike in Texas must be equipped with a brake "capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement."

  • Why it matters: This is the legal threshold for "sufficient braking power" in Texas.

  • The Source: TX Transportation Code § 551.104

3. Motor Cutoff (The "Electric" Rule)

  • The Law: Texas Transportation Code § 664.001 (which references Federal Standards 16 C.F.R. Part 1512)

  • The Specifics: For a vehicle to be legally sold as a "bicycle" (and not a moped/motorcycle), the motor must be designed to disengage or cease to function when:

    1. The rider stops pedaling.

    2. The brakes are applied (standard safety cutoff).

  • The Source: TX Transportation Code § 664.001 and CPSC 1512

* Always look to local signage and personnel to dictate whether any class of Ebike is permitted in that area or not.